"Nurses were kind"

My father has been in the JR twice in the last 6 weeks. The first time was a suspected mini stroke after 3 days he had recovered and was sent home, neither my father or any family members could be told if he had a stroke or not - on reading his letter to his doctor it turned out to be an infection with a follow up appointment. My father being 89 and fairly deaf could not ask any questions because it was hard for him to hear together with the fact that none of the staff were easily understood.

The most recent visit was for a fall and was in severe pain. Again discharged after 3 days with NO results from chest x rays, blood tests etc. No tests were done where the pain was coming from after the fall. His medication was changed slightly to help with blood presure and told to see local nurse 2 days later. Visiting his local nurse she knew nothing about why he was there and found out after getting a doctor to look at my father he has an enlarged prostate gland and he wasn't passing urine properly and the doctor said there is no way he should of been discharged from hospital so early.

Although the nurses are polite it is almost impossable to discuss anything with them and on both cases we NEVER saw or spoke to a doctor to find out what was going on.

My father was treated both times for the symptons presented and NOT for the actual causes of the symptons so patients can be treated quickly and sent home as beds are of course to few, surley if a little more time is spent finding the cause of a problem in the long term it would save time and lots of money for repeated visits in the long term.

My father was waiting for follow up tests before the 2nd visit why weren't these tests done when he was in for the 2nd time and save yet another visit.

Anything else?

Can not say if the doctors and nurses worked well together as you neve see a doctor or speak to them. I know it's difficult to be in the hospital when the doctors are around all the time which is why patients and relatives alike must be able to speak to a ward sister or similar about what is going on and why AND be able to undersand them!

Responses

The Oxford University Hospital NHS Trust is currently reviewing historic comments placed on NHS Choices and we note you made a comment in 2009 which was not responded to. The Trust takes both positive and negative feedback recieved from patients, or their families, seriously and, whenever possible, we use any learning gained to improve the service we provide. Should you wish to contact the Trust regarding this comment or any other service you have received since, please do not hesitate to contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service on palsjr@ouh.nhs.uk or telephone 01865 221473.